Dialogue: Muzammil Shaikhani
by Sarah Blackman on Dec 31, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Rubber World Industries (RWI) managing director Muzammil Shaikhani discusses his company’s plans to upsize and how it will reach its growth targets.
Muzammil Shaikhani, Managing Director, Rubber World Industries.
How does your product differ from other insulations?
Gulf-O-Flex is a closed cell electromeric insulation and an environmentally friendly, CFC-free and flexible material, which can withstand severe environmental conditions.
It can retard heat gain and prevent condensation or frost formation on refrigerant lines, cold water plumbing and chilled water systems. It delays heat loss for hot water plumbing, liquid heating, dual temperature piping and many solar systems.
What are the disadvantages of using rubber products?
Rubber insulation is a bit more expensive compared to fiber glass and mineral wool. However, rubber insulation can be used in a temperature range of -40 to +120º C, while the other two materials can go only sustain up to 350-400º C.
When do you plan to expand to Qatar and Iran and why those markets?
When the recession affected the growth of the UAE’s construction market, we decided to look for other opportunities by capturing the export market in all its depth. After thorough market research, we have identified Qatar and Iran as booming markets, which hold enormous potential for our products.
As a first step, we have participated in a number of high-profile exhibitions in both countries with aims of building awareness for the Rubber World brand.
What do you hope to achieve in Qatar and Iran?
We have already achieved 75% to 80% of the target we have set for these two markets. Now, we are expecting 20% more business at the onset of the coming year.
RWI aims to achieve 25% growth in its production in 2010. How will you achieve this?
After having all the calculation and analysis on all aspects of our operations, we came to a prediction that we can increase our production and sales during 2010.
We can reach our target without any difficulties, as we have new products and a strategy planned. With new vision and good marketing, we are now increasing our clients’ strength.
Apart from the GCC, we have expanded our business to the Asian and African continents, which will help us further boost our growth.
Has exporting helped you survive the downturn, as projects have been put on hold in UAE?
Yes, definitely. We are expecting to supply more air conditioning and refrigeration products to the African and Asian regions.
How high is the demand of rubber insulation products?
In the initial stages of the recession, demand slowed down slightly. However, we are confident that demand will shoot up again in the coming year. We have also monitored a significant drop in imports from Italy and China, an indication of the market turning into local sources for rubber insulation products.
What are your expectations for 2010?
We are on the threshold of 2010 with great expectations. We are anticipating the result of our efforts in 2009, including the launch of new products, production of new materials and overseas marketing, to pay off significantly.
We are also expanding our business by growing our client roster, developing more products and penetrating new markets. We are confident all these efforts will make 2010 a wonderful year for RWI.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are supplying our products to a number of high-profile projects under construction, including Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Mirdiff City Centre Project, Al Raha Development, Al Reem Island, Rem Raam Project and Jumeirah Park Package 4 and 4A.